JVC GR-AX527 User manual

GR-AX827/GR-AX727

GR-AX627/GR-AX527

YU30052-532-1

Compact VHS



INSTRUCTIONS

MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES

INSTRUÇÕES

COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER

VIDEOCAMARA VHS COMPACTO

CÂMERA VHS COMPACT

(The camcorder illustrations appearing in 

these instructions are of the GR-AX827.)

ENGLISHESPAÑOLPORTUGUÊS

2

Dear Customer,

Thank you for purchasing the JVC Compact VHS

camcorder. Before use, please read the safety

information and precautions contained in the

following pages to ensure safe use of your new

camcorder.

Using This Instruction Manual

•All major sections and subsections are listed in the

Table Of Contents (Z pg. 7).

•Notes appear after most subsections. Be sure to

read these as well.

•Basic and advanced features/operation are

separated for easier reference.

It is recommended that you . . .

.... refer to the Index (Z pgs. 40 – 42) and

familiarize yourself with button locations, etc.

before use.

.... read thoroughly the Safety Precautions that

follow and cautions (Z pgs. 43, 44). They

contain extremely important information

regarding the safe use of your new camcorder.

SAFETY

PRECAUTIONS

WARNING:

TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK

HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE

THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR

MOISTURE.

CAUTIONS:

n To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet.

No user serviceable parts inside. Refer

servicing to qualified personnel.

n When you are not using the AC Power

Adapter/Battery charger for a long period of

time, it is recommended that you disconnect

the power cord from AC outlet.

n Camcorder is designed exclusively for the

VHS-C video cassette. Only cassettes marked

VHS-C can be used with this unit.

n HQ VHS is compatible with existing VHS

equipment.

Warning on lithium battery

The battery used in this device may present a

fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do

not recharge, disassemble, heat above 100°C or

incinerate.

Replace battery with Panasonic (Matsushita

Electric), Sanyo or Maxell CR2025; use of

another battery may present a risk of fire or

explosion.

n Dispose of used battery promptly.

n Keep away from children.

n Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in

fire.

This camcorder is designed to be used with

NTSC-type colour television signals. It cannot

be used for playback with a television of a

different standard. However, live recording is

possible anywhere. Use the BN-V12U/V22U/

V25U battery packs and, to recharge them, the

provided multi-voltage AC Power Adapter/

Charger. (An appropriate conversion adapter

may be necessary to accommodate different

designs of AC outlets in different countries.)

NOTES:

●

The rating plate (serial number plate) and

safety caution are on the bottom and/or the

back of the main unit.

●

The rating plate (serial number plate) of the

AC Power Adapter/Charger is on its bottom.

This unit is produced to comply with Standard

IEC Publ. 65.

3

ANTENNA INSTALLATION

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Outdoor Antenna Grounding

If an outside antenna or cable system is connected

to the product, be sure the antenna or cable system

is grounded so as to provide some protection

against voltage surges and built-up static charges.

Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/

NFPA 70, provides information with regard to

proper grounding of the mast and supporting

structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an

antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conduc-

tors, location of antenna discharge unit, connection

to grounding electrodes, and

requirements for the grounding electrode.

2. Lightning

For added protection for this product during a

lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and

unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the

wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable

system. This will prevent damage to the product

due to lightning and power-line surges.

3. Power Lines

An outside antenna system should not be located in

the vicinity of overhead power lines or other

electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall

into such power lines or circuits. When installing an

outside antenna system, extreme care should be

taken to keep from touching such power lines or

circuits as contact with them might be fatal.

IMPORTANT PRODUCT

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Electrical energy can perform many useful functions. But

improper use can result in potential electrical shock or fire

hazards. This product has been engineered and

manufactured to assure your personal safety. In order not to

defeat the built-in safeguards, observe the following basic

rules for its installation, use and servicing.

ATTENTION:

Follow and obey all warnings and instructions marked on

your product and its operating instructions. For your safety,

please read all the safety and operating instructions before

you operate this product and keep this manual for future

reference.

INSTALLATION

1. Power Sources

Operate your product only from the type of power

source indicated on the marking label. If you are

not sure of the type of power supply to your home,

consult your product dealer or local power

company. If your product is intended to operate

from battery power, or other sources, refer to the

operating instructions.

2. Overloading

Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or

integral convenience receptacles as this can result

in a risk of fire or electric shock.

3. Power Cord Protection

Power supply cords should be routed so that they

are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items

placed upon or against them, paying particular

attention to cords at plugs, convenience recepta-

cles, and the point where they exit from the

product.

4. Ventilation

Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for

ventilation. To ensure reliable operation of the

product and to protect it from overheating, these

openings must not be blocked or covered.

•Do not block the openings by placing the product

on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface.

•Do not place the product in a built-in installation

such as a bookcase or rack unless proper

ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s

instructions have been adhered to.

5. Wall or Ceiling Mounting

The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling

only as recommended by the manufacturer.

ANTENNA

LEAD IN WIRE

ANTENNA

DISCHARGE UNIT

(NEC SECTION 

810-20)

GROUNDING 

CONDUCTORS

(NEC SECTION 810-21)

GROUND CLAMPS

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING ELECTRODE SYSTEM

(NEC ART 250. PART H)

NEC – NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

ELECTRIC SERVICE

EQUIPMENT

EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, ANSI/NFPA 70

GROUND CLAMP

4

USE

1. Accessories

To avoid personal injury:

• Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand,

tripod, bracket or table. It may fall, causing serious injury

to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product.

• Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table

recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the

product.

• Use a mounting accessory recommended by the

manufacturer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions

for any mounting of the product.

• Do not try to roll a cart with small casters across

thresholds or deep-pile carpets.

2. Product and Cart Combination

A product and cart combination should be moved with

care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces

may cause the product and cart combination to overturn.

3. Water and Moisture

Do not use this product near

water—for example, near a bath

tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink or

laundry tub, in a wet basement, or

near a swimming pool and the

like.

4. Object and Liquid Entry

Never push objects of any kind into this product through

openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or

short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock.

Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

5. Attachments

Do not use attachments not recommended by the

manufacturer of this product as they may cause hazards.

6. Cleaning

Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning.

Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp

cloth for cleaning.

7. Heat

The product should be situated away from heat sources

such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products

(including amplifiers) that produce heat.

SERVICING

1. Servicing

If your product is not operating correctly or exhibits a

marked change in performance and you are unable to

restore normal operation by following the detailed

procedure in its operating instructions, do not attempt to

service it yourself as opening or removing covers may

expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all

servicing to qualified service personnel.

2. Damage Requiring Service

Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing

to qualified service personnel under the following

conditions:

a. When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.

b. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the

product.

c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.

d. If the product does not operate normally by following

the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that

are covered by the operating instructions as an improper

adjustment of other controls may result in damage and

will often require extensive work by a qualified

technician to restore the product to its normal operation.

e. If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.

f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in

performance—this indicates a need for service.

3. Replacement Parts

When replacement parts are required, be sure the service

technician has used replacement parts specified by the

manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the

original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,

electric shock or other hazards.

4. Safety Check

Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product,

ask the service technician to perform safety checks to

determine that the product is in safe operating condition.

PORTABLE CART WARNING

(Symbol provided by RETAC)

5

QUICK OPERATION GUIDE

SUPPLY POWER

Using the battery pack

1

Hook-on the battery pack’s top end to the

camcorder. (Charging procedure, Z pg. 8)

2 Push in the battery pack until it locks into

place.

To remove the battery pack

Slide BATT. RELEASE and pull out the battery

pack.

PLAYBACK

1 Set the power switch to “PLAY”.

2 Press REW.

— The tape will automatically stop at the

beginning of the tape.

3 Press PLAY/PAUSE.

— Playback starts and the playback picture

appears in the viewfinder.

•To stop playback, press STOP.

(For more details, Z pg. 30.)

n

Or simply play back the tape on a VHS

VCR using the Cassette Adapter

(VHS Playpak).

Z

pg. 28

SHOOTING

1 Slide the LENS COVER open/close switch to

open the lens cover.

2 Set the power switch to “CAMERA”.

— The power indicator will light and an

image will appear in the viewfinder.

3 Press the Recording Start/Stop button.

— Recording starts.

•To stop recording temporarily, momentarily

press the Recording Start/Stop button once

again.

(For more details, Z pg. 14)

2

Push in.

1

Hook on.

BATT. RELEASE

3

1

PUSH

Insert.

EJECT

2

REW

1

Set to “PLAY”.

1

LENS COVER

open/close switch

3

Recording Start/Stop button

2

Set to “CAMERA”.

INSERTING A VIDEO

CASSETTE

1 Slide EJECT.

2 Insert a video cassette.

3 Press PUSH.

(For more details, Z pg. 11)

STOP

3

PLAY/PAUSE

6

MAJOR FEATURES

REMEMBER

The Logical Choice

The only compact video

cassettes that can be

used with your VHS VCR*

*

with VHS Playpak

Program AE with Special

Effects (

Z P. 16)

n Auto Mode Lock n Auto Mode Release

n Electronic Fog Filter n ND Effect

n Sepia n Twilight n Sports

n High Speed (1/2000 sec.) Shutter

n 15 sec. Self Timer

Intelligent Function Control

(

Z P. 18 – 25)

SEL

F1

F2

Variable-Speed Hyper Zoom

(

Z P. 15)

Integrated Auto Light

(GR-AX827/AX627 only)

(

Z P. 18)

Cassettes marked can be used with this camcorder.

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

•Lithium Battery

x2 (clock operation and

remote control unit)

•Shoulder Strap

•Remote Control

Unit RM-V705U

•Cassette Adapter

(VHS PlayPak)

C-P7U

•Battery Pack

BN-V12U

•AC Power

Adapter/Charger

AA-V11EG

Zoom-in

Zoom-out

T

W

T

W

T

W

T

W

Random Assemble Editing

(

Z P. 32 – 35)

8

2

5

4

1

6

3

7

CONTENTS

GETTING STARTED

8

Power.......................................................................................... 8

Clock (Lithium) Battery Removal/Insertion............................................. 10

Date/Time Settings ........................................................................ 10

Viewfinder Adjustment .................................................................... 11

Tape Length/Recording Mode Setting ................................................... 11

Loading/Unloading A Cassette ........................................................... 11

Grip Adjustment ............................................................................ 12

Shoulder Strap Attachment................................................................ 12

Tripod Mounting ............................................................................ 12

Remote Control Unit ....................................................................... 13

RECORDING

14

Basic Recording ............................................................................. 14

Basic Features .............................................................................. 15

Advanced Features ......................................................................... 16

PLAYBACK

28

Using The Cassette Adapter............................................................... 28

Basic Connections........................................................................... 29

Basic Playback .............................................................................. 30

Features ..................................................................................... 31

EDITING

32

Tape Dubbing................................................................................ 32

Random Assemble Editing (R.A.Edit)..................................................... 32

Insert Editing................................................................................ 36

Audio Dubbing .............................................................................. 37

USER MAINTENANCE

38

TROUBLESHOOTING

39

INDEX

40

Controls...................................................................................... 40

Connectors................................................................................... 40

Indicators .................................................................................... 40

Other Parts.................................................................................. 40

Viewfinder .................................................................................. 41

Terms ......................................................................................... 42

CAUTIONS

43

SPECIFICATIONS

45

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

45

8

GETTING STARTED

Power

This camcorder’s 3-way power supply system lets you

choose the most appropriate source of power.

NOTES:

●

No function is available without power supply.

●

Use only specified power supply.

●

Do not use provided power supply units with other equipment.

CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK

SUPPLY POWER

1

Connect the charger’s AC power cord to a wall

outlet. The power indicator lights.

ATTACH BATTERY PACK

2

Align the marks and slide the battery pack in the

direction of the arrow until it locks in place.

The CHG. indicator lights.

DETACH BATTERY PACK

3

When charging is completed, the END indicator

lights. Slide the battery pack opposite the direction

of the arrow.

BATT. PACK CHARGE DISCHARGE

BN-V12U approx. 1 hr. 10 min.

approx.

3 hrs. 30 min.

BN-V22U approx. 2 hrs. 10 min. approx. 7 hrs.

BN-V25U approx. 2 hrs. 40 min. approx. 10 hrs.

REFRESH indicatorREFRESH switch

CHG. (charge) indicator

To AC outlet

Marks

END

indicator

Hook on.

Push in.

BATT. RELEASE

POWER

indicator

USING THE BATTERY PACK

ATTACH BATTERY PACK

1

Hook its top end to the camcorder and push the

battery pack in until it locks in place.

DETACH BATTERY PACK

2

Slide BATT. RELEASE and pull out the battery pack.

RECORDING TIME

BATT. PACK GR-AX627/AX527 GR-AX827/AX727

BN-V12U

approx. 1 hr. 5 min. approx. 1 hr.

(35 min.) (35 min.)

BN-V22U

approx. 2 hrs. 15 min. approx. 2 hrs. 10 min.

(1hr. 25 min.) (1 hr. 20 min.)

BN-V25U

approx. 3 hrs. approx. 2 hrs. 50 min.

(1hr. 50 min.) (1 hr. 50 min.)

( ): when the video light is on (GR-AX827/AX627 only).

**REFRESH

The AC power adapter features a REFRESH

function that allows you to fully discharge the

battery pack before recharging.

To discharge the battery . . .

.... attach the battery pack to the adapter as

shown in the illustration to the left. Then

push REFRESH. The REFRESH indicator

lights when discharging starts, and goes

out when discharging is complete.

9

**CHARGE MARKER

A charge marker is provided on the battery pack to

help you remember whether it has been charged or

not. Two colors are provided (red and black)—you

choose which one means charged and which

means discharged.

NOTES:

●

The recording time per charge is affected by such factors as the time spent in Record/Standby mode and

the frequency of zooming. It is safer to have spare battery packs.

●

Charging times noted on page 8 are for fully discharged battey pack, and discharging times are for fully

charged battery pack.

●

Charging and discharging times vary according to the ambient temperature and the status of the battery

pack.

●

Remember to set the charge marker after charging a battery pack or after detaching a discharged one from

your camcorder.

●

Perform the REFRESH function after no less than 5 chargings.

●

High temperatures can damage the battery pack, so use only where good ventilation is available. Don’t

allow it to discharge in container, such as a bag.

●

If you stop recharging or discharging part way through, make sure to remove the battery pack before

unplugging the adapter’s AC cord.

●

Remove the battery pack from the adapter immediately after discharging.

●

To avoid interference with reception, do not use the AC Power Adapter/Charger near a radio.

●

Make sure you unplug the DC cord before charging or discharging the battery pack.

●

A blinking CHG. indicator means that the battery pack has become hot. Wait until it cools down to

continue.

●

The CHG. indicator may not light properly with a brand new battery pack, or with one that’s been stored

for an extended period. In this case, remove and reattach the battery pack and recharge it. The CHG.

indicator should light during recharging. If not, contact your nearest JVC dealer.

USING A CAR BATTERY

Use the optional Car Battery Cord or Car Battery

Charger/Adapter (connect as shown in the

illustration to the left).

NOTES:

●

When using the car battery, leave the engine

idling.

●

The optional Car Battery Charger (BH-V3U) can

also be used to charge the battery pack.

●

When using the optional Car Battery Charger or

Car Battery Cord (AP-V7U), refer to the respective

instruction booklet.

USING AC POWER

Use the AC Power Adapter (connect as shown in

the illustration to the left).

NOTE:

The supplied AC Power Adapter/Charger features

automatic voltage selection in the AC range from

110 V to 240 V.

Charge marker

DC OUT terminal

To AC outlet

AC Power

Adapter/Charger

AA-V11EG

DC cord

Car Battery Cord

AP-V7U (optional)

To car’s

cigarette

lighter

socket

Car Battery Charger/Adapter

BH-V3U (optional)

10



DATE JAN 1.00

TIME AM12:00



A

GETTING STARTED (cont.)

Clock (Lithium) Battery Removal/Insertion

This battery is necessary for clock operation and to

perform date/time settings.

SWITCH OFF POWER

1

Switch off the unit’s power and remove the power

supply unit.

OPEN COVER

2

Open the clock battery compartment cover while

pressing the release tab.

REMOVE BATTERY (when replacing)

3

Insert a pointed, non-metallic object between the

battery and the compartment (

A

) and pull the

battery out.

INSERT BATTERY

4

Ensuring the plus (+) side is up, insert the supplied

lithium battery and push it in.

CLOSE COVER

5

Close the compartment cover until it clicks in place.

NOTE:

See “SAFETY PRECAUTIONS”(

Z

pg. 2) for information

on safe handling of lithium batteries.

Date/Time Settings

SELECT MODE

1

Set the power switch to CAMERA.

SET DATE/TIME

2

Press SET and the month blinks. Press + or – to set

the month. Repeat to set day, year, hour and minute.

START CLOCK

3

Press SET. The blinking stops. The date and time are

both displayed for confirmation, then the time

display disappears.

NOTE:

The clock does not keep time while the date and time are

blinking.

–/+ SET

POWER

Time

12-hour indication with AM or PM

TIME .... Time setting is performed

Date

Month/Day/Year

DATE ... Date setting is performed

11

T30 SP

T20 SP

T40 EP

T20 EP

T30 SP

T40 SP T30 EP

Viewfinder Adjustment

POSITION VIEWFINDER

1

Adjust the viewfinder manually for best viewability

(see illustration at left).

SELECT MODE

2

Set the power switch to CAMERA.

ADJUST DIOPTER

3

Turn the diopter adjustment control until the

indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.

Tape Length/Recording Mode Setting

SET TAPE LENGTH

1

Set the tape length button according to the length of

the tape used. T20 = 20 minutes of recording time,

T30 = 30 minutes, and T40 = 40 minutes (in SP).

SET RECORDING MODE

2

Set depending on your preference. “SP” (Standard

Play) provides higher picture and sound quality and

is better for dubbing, while “EP” (Extended Play) is

more economical, recording at 1/3 the speed of SP.

Loading/Unloading A Cassette

OPEN CASSETTE HOLDER

1

Slide EJECT until the holder opens. Do not use force

to open.

INSERT/REMOVE CASSETTE

2

Make sure the label is facing outward.

CLOSE CASSETTE HOLDER

3

Press PUSH and make sure the holder is closed and

locked.

NOTES:

●

A cassette holder can’t be opened unless a power

supply is attached.

●

Make sure that the tape is not slack when loading the

cassette. If there is any slack, turn the gear on the

cassette in the direction of the arrow to take up the

slack.

●

Make sure the Erase Protection tab is present. If not,

cover the hole with adhesive tape. (Some cassettes

have sliding tabs – in this case, check the tab’s

position.)

Set POWER to “CAMERA”.

SP-EP recording mode and

T20•30•40 tape length select button

GearErase Protection

Turn to take up

slack.

Tape length and recording

mode indicator

12

2

3

1

2

1

GETTING STARTED (cont.)

Grip Adjustment

EXPAND LOOP

1

Separate the Velcro strip.

INSERT HAND

2

Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the

grip.

ADJUST STRAP LENGTH

3

Adjust so your thumb and fingers can easily operate

the Recording Start/Stop button and Power Zoom

switch. Refasten the Velcro strip.

Shoulder Strap Attachment

ATTACH STRAP

1

Following the illustration at left, thread the strap

through the top of the eyelet (1), then fold it back

and thread it through the keeper (2), and then

through the buckle (3). Repeat the procedure to

attach the other end of the strap to the other eyelet,

making sure the strap isn’t twisted.

ADJUST LENGTH

2

Adjust as shown in the illustration at left (1), then

slide both keepers snug against the eyelets to

prevent slipping (2).

Tripod Mounting

ALIGN AND TIGHTEN

1

Align the screw and camera direction stud on the

tripod with the camera’s mounting socket and stud

hole. Then tighten the screw.

Recording Start/Stop button

13

10°

5m(16.4ft)

10°

30°

2

1

3

4

5

6

@

!

0

9

8

7

Buttons

Functions

With the camcorder’s power switch With the camcorder’s power switch set

set to “CAMERA”. to “PLAY”.

1 Infrared beam Transmits the beam signal.

transmitting window

2 ZOOM (T/W) buttons Zoom (invariable speed, Z pg. 15) —

3 PLAY button — Playback start (Z pg. 30)

4 STOP button — Stop (Z pg. 30)

5 REW button Retake (Rewind) (Z pg. 15) Rew/Rew Shuttle Search (Z pg. 30)

6 INSERT button — Insert Editing (Z pg. 36)

7 START/STOP button Functions same as the Recording Start/Stop button of the camcorder.

8 INT. TIME button Self-Timer(Z pg. 26)/Time Lapse (Z pg. 27) —

9 REC TIME button Animation/Time lapse (Z pg. 27) —

0 PAUSE button — Pause (Z pg. 31)

! FF button Retake (Forward) (Z pg. 15) FF/FF Shuttle Search (Z pg. 30)

@ A. DUB button — Audio dubbing (Z pg. 37)

Remote Control Unit

The Full-Function Remote Control Unit can operate this

camcorder from a distance as well as the basic

operations (PLAY, STOP, PAUSE, FF, and REW) of your

VCR. This remote control unit makes additional

recording functions possible.

Before use, refer to the instruction booklet.

PULL OUT BATTERY HOLDER

1

Pull out the battery holder by inserting a pointed

instrument into slot

A

.

INSERT BATTERY

2

Insert the lithium battery *(CR2025), with its plus (+)

side up, into the battery holder.

REPLACE BATTERY HOLDER

3

Insert the battery holder into the remote control unit,

and push the holder until it clicks in place.

*Read warning on lithium battery (

Z pg. 2).

The transmitted beam may not be effective or

may cause incorrect operation when the

infrared beam sensor window is directly

exposed to sunlight or powerful lighting.

Infrared beam

sensor window

Infrared beam

effective area

1

2

3

A

14

120MIN 119MIN

3MIN

2MIN (Blinking)

1MIN (Blinking)

0MIN (Blinking)

* MIN.....(Now calculating)

RECORDING

Basic Recording

NOTE:

You should already have performed the procedures listed

below. If not, do so before continuing.

●

Power (

Z

pg. 8)

●

Tape Length/Recording Mode Setting (

Z

pg. 11)

●

Grip Adjustment (

Z

pg. 12)

LOAD A CASSETTE

1

Slide EJECT to open the cassette holder, then insert

the cassette with the label facing out. Press PUSH to

ensure the holder is closed and locked.

ENTER RECORD–STANDBY MODE

2

Slide the LENS COVER open/close switch to open

the lens cover, then set the power switch to

CAMERA.

•The power indicator lights and the camcorder

enters the Record–Standby Mode.

•The scene you’re aimed at appears on the

viewfinder screen, with the word “PAUSE”

superimposed upon it.

START SHOOTING

3

Press the Recording Start/Stop button.

•The tally lamp lights while recording is in progress,

and “

REC

” appears in the viewfinder.

STOP RECORDING

4

Press the Recording Start/Stop button again to stop

recording.

•The camcorder re-enters the Record-Standby

mode.

NOTES:

●

A cassette holder can’t be opened unless a power

supply is attached.

●

There may be a delay after you slide EJECT until the

holder opens. Do not use force.

●

The tape’s remaining time is displayed in the

viewfinder as shown.

●

”TAPE END“ appears when the tape reaches its end,

and the power goes off automatically if left in this

condition for 5 minutes. ”TAPE END“ also appears

when a cassette whose tape is already at its end is

loaded.

●

If the Record–Standby mode continues for 5 minutes,

the camcorder’s power shuts off automatically. Set the

power switch to POWER OFF, and then back to

CAMERA to turn the camcorder on again.

●

If you’re recording on a cassette from the middle, use

the RETAKE function (

Z

pg. 15) to find the end of the

last recording so you don’t erase any of it.

●

The LENS COVER warning blinks for about 5 seconds

when the camcorder is turned on, whether the cover is

open or closed.

LENS COVER

SWITCH

POWER

Tally lamp

The power indicator

Start/Stop

Tape remaining time

indicator

15

T

W

T

W

T

W

T

W

RETAKE

Power zoom switch

Zoom-in

Zoom indicator

Zoom-out

RECORDING

Basic Features

START/STOP

VISS

RM-V700U (optional)

FEATURE: Zooming

PURPOSE: Varies the focal length of the lens and

produces the zoom in/out effect.

OPERATION:

Zoom In

1) Pull the power zoom switch down

toward “T”.

Zoom Out

2) Push the switch up toward “W”.

NOTES: ●

The further the power zoom switch is

pushed, the faster the zoom speed

becomes.

●

Focusing may become unstable during

zooming. In this case, set the zoom while

in Record–Standby, set manual focus or

Focus Lock (

Z

pg. 20, 21), then zoom in

or out in Record mode.

FEATURE: Quick Review

PURPOSE: To check the end of the last recording.

OPERATION: 1) Press “

” for less than 2 seconds during

the Record–Standby mode.

• Tape is rewound for about 2 seconds

and played back automatically, then

pauses in Record–Standby mode for the

next shot.

NOTE:

Distortion may occur at start of playback.

This is normal.

FEATURE: Retake

PURPOSE: To re-record certain segments.

OPERATION: 1) Make sure the camcorder is in the

Record–Standby mode.

2) Press either RETAKE button to reach the

start point for new recording.

3) Press Recording Start/Stop to start

recording.

NOTE:

Noise may appear during Retake.

This is normal.

FEATURE: Index Code Marking

PURPOSE: To give you automatic access to any selected

point on a recording. Auto Marking and

Manual Marking are available.

OPERATION:

Auto Marking

An index code is always marked to start the

first recording on a new date after a cassette

is inserted.

Manual Marking (Using the optional

RM-V700U Remote Control Unit)

1) Press VISS once to place the index code.

INDEX blinks in the viewfinder during

marking.

NOTES: ●

If VISS is pressed during

Record–Standby mode, the mark is

placed where START/STOP is pressed.

●

If the date changes during a recording, it

becomes the first recording of the new

date and an index mark is placed at that

point.

16

DIAL VIEWFINDER

MODE

SYMBOL INDICATION

Sports

High shutter speed clearly captures fast-moving

action.

High-Speed Shutter (1/2000s.)

Captures faster action than Sports mode.

15sec. Self-Timer

Lets you delay recording start after Recording Start/

Stop is pressed. If camcorder is secured, operator

can enter scene before recording starts.

1) Set PROGRAM AE dial to “

”. “ 15S” appears

in viewfinder.

2) Press Recording Start/Stop.

•Recording starts after 15 seconds.

•Tally lamp begins blinking; blinking speed

increases about 5 seconds before recording starts.

Blinking stops when recording begins but light

stays on.

NOTES:

●

Only one effect can be engaged at a time.

●

When the PROGRAM AE select dial is switched

from one mode to another, the newly selected

mode’s name and its indication is displayed in the

viewfinder for approx. 3 seconds. Then the name

disappears, and only the indication remains.

●

The screen becomes slightly reddish when the

fader (

Z

pg. 19) is used in the Sepia mode.

●

The screen becomes slightly dark in the High

Speed Shutter mode. Use in well-lighted

situations.

●

In the High Speed Shutter or Sports modes,

picture color may be adversely affected if subject

is lit by alternating discharge-type light sources

such as flourescent or mercury-vapor lights.

RECORDING

Advanced Features

Sports

SPORTS

15 sec. Self-Timer

SELF TIMER

Program AE With Special Effects

All you have to do to access any of the variety of

shooting effects is to turn the PROGRAM AE select

dial until the desired indication appears in the

viewfinder. The mode is activated about 1 second

later.

PROGRAM AE

select dial

Tally lamp

High Speed Shutter

1/2000

S 1/2000

DIAL VIEWFINDER

MODE

SYMBOL INDICATION

Auto Mode Lock

Locks the camcorder in Full Auto mode, preventing

incorrect operation due to accidental button

pressing during shooting.

•CINEMA, FADER, FOCUS, EXPOSURE, DISPLAY,

TITLES and MWB (Manual White Balance)

controls are disabled in this mode.

Auto Mode Release

Re-enables the controls that were disabled by Auto

Mode Lock.

Electronic Fog Filter

Makes the picture look misty white, as when an

external fog filter is attached to the lens. Softens the

image and gives it a “fancy“ look.

ND EFFECT

A black mist darkens the picture, as when an ND

filter is used. Helps to counter the effects of glare on

the subject.

Sepia

The scene being shot is recorded in sepia-tinted

(reddish-brown) monochrome, giving the effect of

an older movie. Use together with Cinema

(

Z pg. 19) for the authentic look of a classic

Hollywood movie.

Twilight

Disengages the auto gain control and auto focus,

locks focus to infinity and white balance to “ ”

(outdoor) mode. Dusk, twilight scenery, fireworks,

etc., look more natural and dramatic.

A

Auto Mode Lock

LOCK

AUTO LOCK

Auto Mode 

Release

RELEASE

AUTO RELEASE

M

Electronic Fog Filter

FG:FOGFG

ND EffectND:ND EFFECTND

Sepia

SEPIA

Twilight

TWILIGHT

17

No indication 

(Auto)

MWB

White balance mode indicator

MWB

White Balance Adjustment

This camcorder’s Automatic Color Temperature system

senses the color temperature of the ambient lighting for

automatic white balance adjustment. However, precise

color adjustment is not possible under the following

conditions:

•When an object is in various shades of the same color.

•When a predominantly red or brown object is being

shot outdoors.

In these cases, use the camcorder’s built-in preset filters

for white balance adjustment.

SELECT MODE

1

Press MWB (Manual White Balance) until the

required indication appears in the viewfinder.

“ ” .............. Outdoors on cloudy day

“

” ............... Outdoors on sunny day

“ ” ................ Light source is halogen or tungsten

...................... lamp

“MWB” .......... With a memorized personal White

...................... Balance setting (see below)

MWB sets the color temperature for the subject’s light

source so you can shoot with natural colors that are

unaffected by surroundings, even when there are

multiple subjects with different color temperatures.

ADJUST FOCUS

1

Point the camcorder at a white, flat object such as a

sheet of white paper, and adjust focus manually

(Z pg. 21).

ADJUST WHITE BALANCE

2

Press MWB until ”MWB“ appears, then press and

hold MWB for more than 3 seconds.

•”MWB” blinks in the viewfinder during

adjustment, then stops blinking but stays lit when

adjustment is complete.

NOTES:

●

To switch to automatic white balance adjustment, press MWB until the indication disappears, or turn the

PROGRAM AE dial to LOCK.

●

Re-adjust the White Balance mode when the lighting has changed, when the camcorder has been turned

on and off again, or when the PROGRAM AE dial’s position has been changed.

●

It is helpful to connect your camcorder to a color monitor when adjusting the white balance

(“BASIC CONNECTIONS”

Z

pg. 29).

●

When adjusted by putting colored paper in front of the subject in step 2 , this unit makes its color

temperature standard for automatic white balance. So you can enjoy shooting with different colors. For

example, when adjusting with red, blue or yellow colors, the image becomes the color which aproximates

to green, orange or purple respectively.

18

RECORDING

Advanced Features

DANGER:

n The video light becomes extremely hot. Do not

touch it either while in operation or soon after

turning it off, otherwise serious injury may result.

n Do not place the camcorder into the carrying

case immediately after using the video light, since

it remains extremely hot.

n When operating, keep a distance of about

30 cm (1 ft.) between the video light and people

or object.

n Do not use near flammable or explosive

materials.

n It is recommended that you consult your nearest

JVC dealer for replacing the video light.

SEL

F1

F2

FADER CINEMA

FOCUS

EXP.

TITLE

DISP.

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

SEL.

F1 F2

F1

F2

F1

F2

LIGHT ON/AUTO/OFF

Viewfinder

F2 button

F1 button

PROGRAM AE select dial

Function SEL. button

Video Light (GR-AX827/AX627 only)

When natural lighting is too dim, you can brighten the

scene by using the built-in video light.

SET VIDEO LIGHT

1

Set the LIGHT ON/AUTO/OFF as required.

ON : Always keeps the light on as long as the

camcorder is turned on.

AUTO : Automatically turns on the light when the

camcorder senses insufficient lighting on

the subject.

OFF : Turns off the light.

•The video light can be used with the camcorder’s

power on.

•It is recommended to set the white balance to indoor

mode (

) (Z pg. 17) when you use the video light.

•When not using the video light, turn it off to save

battery power.

NOTES:

n Even if the battery indicator ( ) does not blink in the

viewfinder, if the battery pack’s charge is low, the

camcorder may turn off automatically when you turn

on the video light, or when you start recording with the

video light turned on.

n When the LIGHT ON/AUTO/OFF is set to “AUTO”:

•Depending on lighting conditions, the video light

may keep turning on and off. In this case, manually

switch the light on or off using the LIGHT ON/

AUTO/OFF switch.

•While the Sports or High-Speed Shutter mode

(Z pg. 16) is engaged, the light is likely to stay on.

•While the Twilight mode (Z pg. 16) is engaged, the

light will not activate.

INTELLIGENT FUNCTION CONTROL

This feature makes it easier for you to make selections

during the following modes: Fader, Cinema, Manual

Focus Adjust, Exposure Control, Display, and Instant

Title.

PREPARATION

1

Set the PROGRAM AE dial to any position except

LOCK.

SELECT MODE

2

Press Function SEL. repeatedly until the required

function’s indication appears in the viewfinder.

ENTER SELECTION

3

Press either F1 or F2 (the one to the immediate left

of the desired function name).

NOTE:

If you set the PROGRAM AE dial to LOCK, F1 and F2

disappear from the viewfinder, indicating that IFC

(Intelligent Function Control) is unavailable.

19

SEL

F1

F2

F2 buttonF1 button

PROGRAM AE select dial

Function SEL. button

FADE OUT

FADE IN

Fader

This feature allows smooth fade-in and fade-out to black

blank screen. Fade-in works at recording start, and

fade-out works at recording end or when you enter

Record–Standby mode.

SELECT MODE

1

Press Function SEL. repeatedly until “FADER”

appears to the right of F1.

ENGAGE FADE–STANDBY MODE

2

Press F1 to engage the Fade–Standby mode.

“FADER”appears in the viewfinder.

START RECORDING

3

Press Recording Start/Stop to start recording and

activate fade-in.

OR . . .

END RECORDING

Press Recording Start/Stop to end recording and

engage fade-out.

NOTES:

●

Pressing and holding the Recording Start/Stop button

allows you to record a black blank screen.

●

The screen becomes slightly reddish when the Fader is

used with Sepia (

Z

pg. 16).

●

With the Electronic fog filter mode (

Z

pg. 16)

engaged, the image fades in/out to a white screen.

Cinema

This feature allows you to record black bars at the top

and bottom of the screen to produce a cinema-like

“wide-screen” effect.

SELECT MODE

1

Press Function SEL. repeatedly until “CINEMA”

appears to the right of F2.

ENGAGE CINEMA MODE

2

Press F2.

RESTORE NORMAL SCREEN

3

Press F2 again while “CINEMA” appears next to F2

in the viewfinder.

Cinema mode

20

RECORDING

Advanced Features

Focus

detection zone

Focusing

Auto Focus

The camcorder’s Full Range AF system offers continuous

shooting ability from close-up to infinity. However,

correct focus may not be obtainable in the situations

listed below (in these cases use manual focusing):

•When two subjects overlap in the same scene.

•When illumination is low.*

•When the subject has no contrast (difference in

brightness and darkness), such as a flat, one-color wall,

or a clear, blue sky.*

•When a dark object is barely visible in the viewfinder.*

•When the scene contains minute patterns or identical

patterns that are regularly repeated.

* The low-contrast warning “

” appears in the

viewfinder.

Focus Lock

This feature locks the focus in place, which is especially

helpful in the following situations:

•When things pass between your subject and the

camcorder. Engage the focus lock function to lock your

subject in before recording.

•When you want your subject to be focused, and to

appear in a corner of the screen. First, center on the

subject and focus using auto focus mode. Then engage

the focus lock function and move the camcorder until

the subject is where you want it.

SELECT MODE

1

Press Function SEL. repeatedly until “FOCUS”

appears to the right of F1.

LOCK FOCUS

2

Press F1. The focus lock indication “ ” appears

in the viewfinder.

RELEASE FOCUS LOCK

3

Press F1. Focus lock is immediately released. The

focus lock indication disappears.

NOTES:

●

If the lens is smeared or blurred, accurate focusing is

not possible. Keep the lens clean, wiping with a piece

of soft cloth if it gets dirty. When condensation occurs,

wipe with a soft cloth or wait for it to dry naturally.

●

When shooting a subject close to the lens, zoom-out

first (

Z

pg. 15). If zoomed-in in the auto focus mode,

the camcorder could automatically zoom out

depending on the distance between the camcorder and

the subject.

F1 F2

Function SEL.

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JVC GR-AX527 User manual

JVC GR-AX527 User manual

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